My first Ghost...

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Help Support :

redcarpetdrew

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 12, 2008
Messages
3,751
Location
Fairfield, CA
Craigslist can be a joy or a curse. Today, it was a joy. I now have a Grey Ghost to keep my 57 E2LP company. This will be a job for sure but still fun.

redcarpetdrew++8-25-2010-02-44-19.jpg
 
Not bad. The tub shows wear but the frame is not bad. I'm suspecting this may be a model 80 or 90 but am having trouble finding any numbers anywhere so I'm not sure of age. 40's? 50's?

redcarpetdrew++8-25-2010-02-47-33.jpg
 
This has a high post drive compared to my 57. I'm kinda thinking this is in good shape considering the age. The washer will agitate when shifted but it'll be a bit of work to wet test her. More on that in a bit...

redcarpetdrew++8-25-2010-02-54-32.jpg
 
The wringer won't turn and I suspect that there may be something frozen in the head. I can see the lower drive shaft turning but it's all locked up in the head. Well, I DO love a challenge...

redcarpetdrew++8-25-2010-02-59-21.jpg
 
Speaking of challenge...

This shot of the undercarrage shows the reason I can't wet test her and my other challenge... The drain hose. Fittings at both ends. AAiiieeee!!! I'm thinking that I'll take this to a shop I know that specializes in making custom hoses and see what can be done. Who's taking bets on if this hose can be found NOS?

By the way, Mr. Delp, this does not make a harem. I'll need a few more for that! LOL!

redcarpetdrew++8-25-2010-03-07-53.jpg
 
It even had a surprise in the tub for me. A bottle of wringer lubricant. Well, she's a bit rough but I think not lost by any means. Considering that the advertisement on C/L suggested that this one be used for a beverage cooler or planter, I think a better fate awaits...

RCD

redcarpetdrew++8-25-2010-03-11-0.jpg
 
Maytag -

It looks in very good condition given its age, my is in embryonic stage considering how yours looks, a sandblast job me thinks...

This is the first Hotpoint UK Wringer washer, produced here by an alliance with Maytag USA. Its the Hotpoint Model a which is your Maytag Model E I believe!!!

Looking forward to seeing yours run Andrew, my hoses are gone and did some research and fire hoses seem to be similar...

Does anyone know if it is possible to file/sand/scrap the rollers back to "Smoothe" when badly cracked??

chestermikeuk++8-25-2010-06-22-39.jpg
 
Andy, That is awesome! Can't wait to see the restoration! I had two decades ago. It went to the crusher unfortunately when my parents wanted to clean out their basement...
 
GE motor

the GE motor is a very old one-probably from the teens or
twentys-they have a wound rotor with slip rings and a copper
barred "stator"-just the opposite of more modern split-phase
motors.
 
from the thirties

That's from the 1930s. You will find the serial number on the front lip above the decal. Post that number and someone here named Geoff D can tell you exactly what year. I will guess 35 or 36. I have a 37 which looks just like it and mine was originally gasoline powered and I THINK yours was too. Good luck with it.
 
Andy, is that a pump I'm seeing in #6 ?

Didn't know the ghosts came with pumps back in the 30's. Yours is pretty nice, as found grey ghosts go.

Had a wretched one here, and tossed it. Drain port directly above motor, felt a sizzle when touching the frame, older than yours, more primitive. May it RIP.
 
Hi Drew ... again, such a great addition to the wonderful world of absolutely CLASSIC Maytag wringers! Such a sturdy, stalwart machine you have there!!

It looks like you have a Model A there; just like mine and Don Shier's. Mine is from 1930 and still runs like new; imagine, 80 years old. Yours will be just as old, if not older. Post the full serial number and I've got a guide we can get a date on it.

LOVE the red roll on top; they made those for a while. Those rolls aren't the same as the "E" rolls; they weren't as wide and had a different drive spline on the bottom roll.

Wait until you see how simple the mechanism is in the wringer head. Just remove the handle and the screws on top and take a look inside; bet it just needs to be cleaned out and re-lubed with that jar of lubrication you got. Pack it in there well when you clean it out.

No more gaskets for these machines; you have to make your own. Pretty easy with cork gasket material you can get at the auto parts store.

The hose? NAH ... that's not a problem. That's the same hose they used on the E's, J's, N's; Maytag frugality at its finest! It was simply cut to the correct length. Call Kirby at Lehman Hardware in Kidron, Ohio; they are still made new and have a white drain end.

Looks like someone wanted to paint it. If you want, I can send you the paint formula for it. It's a "gray-green"; not truly gray.

I can see why Maytag sold so many of these machines; what a time savings for Mrs. Homemaker! You'll notice it has a slower, gentler agitation than your E. Also, it holds a lot less than your E. I'm thinking it holds between 10-12 gallons of water. The E held 18 and the N held 16.

My decals were just like yours; the fancy Maytag script on the front. I changed it to the "coat of arms" (as I call it). There should be a decal on the front of the machine, the top of the lid, and the right side of the wringer frame.

Great machines ... enjoy!!

geoffdelp++8-25-2010-13-20-49.jpg
 
Looks pretty darn good considering it's age and the fact that most are usually rust buckets.

So, when is the dueling Gray Ghost orgy gonna occur at the shop? :>)

Good to see you posting Geoff!! Your wringer collection is superb and I never tire seeing pics of it. Take care!
 
MT GRAY GHOSTS

Geoff thanks for all the information on the MT wringers, I still have a grey ghost like yours and Andys and it even runs fine. Its amazing how durable these machines were with most of it being aluminum they didn't even rust much, and the high post for the agitator drive kept water out of the transmission [ MT should have never abandoned that design]. I would love to find a home for the one I have, its free to a good home I hate to throw it away.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top